Apply for the Early Childhood Educators (ECE) scholarship

Preparing to apply

1. Eligibility

   To be eligible for the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship, an applicant must:

   • Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term, with an intent to remain in Massachusetts consistent with Board of Higher Education policy; and
   • Have approved eligibility status as a “High School Completer,”* per the Massachusetts tuition equity law,** or be a U.S. Citizen, permanent legal resident, or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations.
   • Have applied for financial aid, using the standard Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a FAFSA equivalent application authorized by the Department of Higher Education.
   • Not be in default of any federal or state Student Loans for attendance at any institution or owe a refund for any previous financial aid received.
   • Enroll, as a matriculated student, in an approved college certificate or degree program, full or part-time, in an eligible institution.
   • Be employed as an educator or provider in an early education and care program (FCC, center-based, after/out-of-school time, residential placement or contracted FCC system) that is licensed or funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
     
     OR
     
     Be considered a “prospective student” which is defined as unemployed or not employed as an early education and care provider at a facility or program, licensed or funded by the Department of Early Education and Care, but plan to enroll in an approved course of study as defined in the eligibility requirements of the ECE Scholarship.
     • Prospective students must demonstrate they are seeking employment with an early education and care provider in the commonwealth and will have one year to secure eligible employment.
   • Sign an agreement to continue employment as an early childhood educator or provider in Massachusetts upon completing the degree requirement, or repay funds as defined.
   • Students must either be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree or pursuing a master’s degree in an approved program, as defined.

   *See mass.edu/tuitionequity for more details.
   **Pursuant to Section 9 of Chapter 15A, as amended by Section 11 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023.

2. Eligible Schools

   Choose a school from the list of eligible institutions below.

   • American International College
   • Anna Maria College
   • Assumption College
   • Bay Path University
   • Berkshire Community College
   • Boston College
   • Boston University
   • Brandeis University
   • Bridgewater State University
   • Bristol Community College
   • Bunker Hill Community College
   • Cambridge College
   • Cape Cod Community College
   • Clark University
   • Curry College
   • Dean College
   • Elms College
   • Emmanuel College
   • Endicott College
   • Fisher College
   • Fitchburg State University
   • Framingham State University
   • Gordon College
   • Greenfield Community College
   • Hellenic College
   • Holyoke Community College
   • Lasell College
   • Lesley University
   • Massachusetts Bay Community College
   • Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
   • Massasoit Community College
   • Merrimack College
   • Middlesex Community College
   • Mount Holyoke College
   • Mount Wachusett Community College
   • Northeastern University
   • Northern Essex Community College
   • North Shore Community College
   • Quincy College
   • Quinsigamond Community College
   • Regis College
   • Roxbury Community College
   • Salem State University
   • Simmons College
   • Smith College
   • Springfield College
   • Springfield Technical Community College
   • Stonehill College
   • Tufts University
   • University of Massachusetts Amherst
   • University of Massachusetts Boston
   • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
   • University of Massachusetts Lowell
   • Urban College of Boston 
   • Westfield State University
   • Wheaton College
   • Worcester State University 

3. Eligible Majors

   Choose an approved major from the list below. 

   • Child and Family Studies
   • Psychology
   • Child Care Administration  
   • Elementary Education
   • Child Development
   • Special Education
   • Child Guidance
   • Social Work
   • Child Psychology
   • Family Studies
   • Early Childhood Education
   • Human Services

4. Award Amounts

   The scholarship under this program is based on a per credit rate, depending on the type of institution as provided below. Applicants may receive scholarships to assist with the cost of no more than three courses per semester during the traditional fall, spring and summer:

   Institution Type	Maximum award amounts
   University of Massachusetts	$750 per credit, maximum of $6,750 per semester
   Private College/University	$750 per credit, maximum of $6,750 per semester
   State University	$550 per credit, maximum of $4,950 per semester
   Community College	$350 per credit, maximum of $3,150 per semester